Garden

The romantic pools in the West Garden provide a focus throughout the year

Dyrham Park's formal garden is a haven for anyone seeking a quiet stroll or beautiful place to relax and enjoy a picnic. For plant-lovers, there's an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour and form to draw inspiration from, set against the backdrop of mature trees, unusual shrubs and age-old landscape features.

Our garden attracts many birds, bees and butterflies as well as other wildlife. There are bee hives in the perry orchard and lots more flowers and butterflies to be spotted at our wildflower meadow near the car park.

Known as the Upper and Lower Pools, these ponds have been a feature of the estate for many centuries, and were originally a source of fresh fish for the lords of the manor. Today, surrounded by striking plants and meandering paths, they form a wonderful foil for the garden.

Today, the West Garden is a combination of styles that reflect its long history. More modern designs and planting blend with traditional 18th-century styles to make the most of existing features such as the ponds, cascade and mature shrubs.

Traditionally known as Nichols' orchard, some of the perry pear trees here are hundreds of years old. Every year, our pears are used to make Dyrham Park perry, which you can buy in our shop and tea-room (while stocks last).

Bring a good book, pick your spot on the lawn and escape the pressures of modern life for an hour or two. Or bring friends and family and a hamper full of goodies for a picnic in the most idyllic of surroundings.

Our team of staff and volunteer gardeners work tirelessly throughout the year to maintain and develop the herbaceous borders. Come and admire the glorious results for yourself, from February right through to December.